Meatu District residents are set to experience major improvements in health and education services as the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), in partnership with Mwiba Holdings Ltd., advances construction of key community projects in the area.
The initiative includes a new dispensary in Matale Village and the construction of four classrooms along with two teachers’ offices in Mbugayabanya Village.
The projects aim to ensure that communities living near conservation areas receive tangible benefits from wildlife resources, aligning with national efforts to promote inclusive development.
During the foundation stone–laying ceremonies, Meatu District Commissioner Fauzia Ngatumbura praised TAWA and Mwiba for their continued commitment to people-centered development.
She emphasized that the projects reflect careful planning based on community needs and called on residents to support the initiatives by protecting both the infrastructure and surrounding conservation areas.
“I commend TAWA and its partners for identifying and implementing projects that respond directly to community priorities,” DC Ngatumbura said.
“Our wildlife resources bring in foreign earnings that make such social investments possible. I urge residents to safeguard these facilities and continue cooperating in conservation efforts.”
The 63 percent complete dispensary is expected to ease the burden on mothers, children, and other vulnerable groups who travel long distances for medical care.
The classrooms and teachers’ offices already 75 percent complete will help reduce overcrowding and improve the quality of teaching in Mbugayabanya.
Providing an update, Lusato Masinde, TAWA’s Conservation Officer for the Lake Zone, said the projects are funded through conservation and tourism activities under the Smart Wildlife Investment for Community Advancement (SWICA) programme in Maswa Game Reserve.
He disclosed that the dispensary will cost over TZS 286 million, while the classrooms and teachers’ offices are valued at TZS 216.7 million. The projects began on October 25, 2025, and are expected to be completed by December 2025.
Masinde reassured the public that TAWA will ensure quality control and timely delivery to maximize community impact.
Residents have welcomed the developments, describing them as timely investments that build trust and strengthen their partnership with conservation authorities.
Jeremiah Masunga, one of the local community members, said the new facilities mark significant progress for Meatu District.
“TAWA and Mwiba’s support is transforming our communities. These projects show that conservation brings real benefits to people,” he said.
Mwiba Holdings’ Director of Community Projects, Aurelia Mtui, highlighted the company’s broad support to communities around wildlife areas, noting that their focus extends beyond infrastructure.
She outlined ongoing programmes such as free school meals, transportation assistance for students living far from school, construction of teachers’ and health workers’ housing, and sponsorship of college education for students from low-income families.
“We also support research and elephant-collaring initiatives to reduce human–wildlife conflict, offer safety training for communities, and cover treatment for children with treatable physical disabilities,” Mtui said.
She added that Mwiba continues to provide environmental conservation education and entrepreneurship skills to help communities build sustainable livelihoods.
With these investments, Meatu communities are expected to benefit from stronger social services and reinforced collaboration between conservation stakeholders and local residents.